2015 Chateau Branaire Ducru
By Chateau Branaire Ducru
2015 Chateau Branaire Ducru, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux is of particular renown, marked by an extraordinary summer that proffered ripe, sculpted fruit and opulent tannins, culminating in wines such as the 2015 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru. This offering from St-Julien is a testament to the prowess of a great year, presenting an opportunity for fine wine investors to enrich their portfolios with a sterling example of a Bordeaux red that encapsulates both grace and vigilance.
Tempering Strength with Elegance
The 2015 Chateau Branaire Ducru is a reflection of a vintage characterised by judicious balance. The season began with ideal temperatures and beneficial rains in June, nurturing the cabernet sauvignon-led blend through to a magnificent harvest. Upon decanting, this vintage unfurls a luxurious bouquet; blackcurrant and plum notes dance among whispers of violet and subtle hints of cedar.
An Unparalleled Harmony
On the palate, the 2015 Chateau Branaire Ducru expresses the quintessence of its terroir—a superb tension between acid and fruit. Layered yet precise, the silky tannins escort a melange of dark berries and spices towards an assertive, prolonged finish, indicative of a wine with splendid aging potential. This poised complexity offers not just gratification for collectors but also raises high expectations for tastings in years to come.
Connoisseurs will observe that unlike some heavily structured vintages that demand lengthy cellaring, this wine exhibits an approachable demeanour, favouring investors looking for earlier return on enjoyment without forsaking longevity.
Conclusion
In essence, the 2015 Chateau Branaire Ducru from Chateau Branaire Ducru epitomises the sterling qualities of its St-Julien origins, promising both immediate satisfaction and future opulence. This vintage is destined to rank as one of the most harmonious investable assets for those who appreciate the alchemy of Bordeaux's celebrated vineyards.
Market price (GBP)
£460.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
32.86
Scores and tasting notes
This is very structured and tight with chewy polished tannins and blueberry, blackberry. Full and savory. Should develop beautifully.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Pretty and aromatic, with flavors of kirsch and cherry preserves mixed with tobacco and bay notes. Stays energetic through the relatively sleek finish. Wins on purity.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
This was comparatively backward and closed when I tasted it, still showing a slight angularity that should soften in barrel. The components are there: sturdy Cabernet-based fruit, fresh acidity and good depth. Drink: 2022-32
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
The 2015 Branaire-Ducru is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 18 September until 8 October, with two or three intervals in between. Matured in around 60% new oak (although as usual my barrel sample was from a new oak barrel), it has a high-toned, black cherry and cassis scented nose that perhaps feels a little constricted by the new wood in this sample, though not necessarily once in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, white pepper and a touch of sage, gritty tannin, foursquare and a little conservative. There is commendable weight on the finish, if not quite the precision compared to its peers. I noticed this gaining more cohesion in the glass, which bodes well for once the Branaire-Ducru is in bottle. I expect this to rest at the top of my banded score.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Branaire-Ducru has an earthy nose over a core of red and black currants with hints of tapenade, pencil shavings and sage. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough fruit and a lively finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
Dark ruby. Sweetly gamey on the nose. A little light compared with some but very correct. Quite advanced. But just slightly austere in style. No one could object but I can't imagine many falling madly in love. Stones on the finish.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com